For years it lay in ruins, unloved. It was once a grand garden but it had fallen on hard times and was overgrown and derelict.
 | | The garden's restored fountain |
But in 1980 the Plantation Garden in Norwich was discovered and restoration work began. A preservation trust was formed and now the volunteers who look after the garden are celebrating 25 years of success. The Plantation Garden was created between 1856 and 1897 by Henry Trevor, a wealthy Norfolk businessman. But in the mid 20th century the three acres of grounds fell into disrepair. The centrepiece of the garden, a Gothic style fountain, was covered in ivy. Today the Plantation Garden looks very different. The garden's preservation trust chairman Bruce Adam said the grounds are an oasis in the heart of the city.
 | | The fountain 25 years ago |
"I love the history of the this place and I love the peace and quiet. It's only 600 yards from city centre but it feels a million miles away". The Preservation Trust is always looking for volunteers to help out in the garden. "We desperately need gardeners who can spare a couple of hours a week," said Mr Adam. "We're also looking for a bricklayer who knows how to use lime mortar". The garden is on Earlham Road, close to the Roman Catholic Cathedral. It's open every day and entry is Β£2. On Sundays in the summer, tea and cakes are available between 2.30 and 4.30pm | 
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